The GOODS from Cibo Trattoria

Vancouver, BC | Often known as the region with the most distinct and varied culture in Italy, take a culinary adventure of Sicily at Cibo Trattoria’s next monthly Italian Regional Dinner series. Because Sicily lies to the south of Italy, its short distance from the African coast led to a long history of invasion and conquests that resulted in a lavish mixed heritage of Greek, Arab, Roman, Norman descents.

Enjoy a chance to feel like you have escaped to Sicily for an evening, right here on the West Coast. Cibo Trattoria is featuring a Sicily Dinner event on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 5pm into the late evening. This four course dinner set at $48 with an optional exquisite $48 wine pairing represents the culture, ingredients and rich history of traditional Sicilian meals. Menu after the jump…

Sicilian cooking is quite distinctive compared to the rest of Italy. The centuries of invasion allowed for the island to be exposed to a variety of culinary influence, which has enriched the cuisine. Arab and Greek influences are significant with pasta, vegetables and seafood being of most importance.

Pasta lies at the heart of Sicilian cooking and it was from here that pasta spread to the rest of Italy. It is normally sauced simply with either seafood, vegetables or herbs. The seas surrounding Sicily are rich with fish, primarily tuna, swordfish and sardines. Therefore, meat is not widely eaten, but when it is, lamb, goat, pork, offal and wild rabbit are the popular options. Mediterranean fruit and vegetables are locally grown in Sicily so special dishes are devoted to each type. Arab-influenced sweets are very popular such as ice cream and sorbet.

The Sicily Dinner

by Executive Chef Neil Taylor

Arrancini stuffed with saffron, buffalo mozzarella and ragu

“Maccu”-bruschetta of dried smashed fava beans, slow cooked broccoli, spicy fennel salami

“Pasta alla norma”

Sicilian seafood stew with saffron cuscusu

Cassata semifredda

Cibo’s Sicily Dinner is featured next Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at www.cibotrattoria.ca or by calling 604.602.9570.

About Cibo Trattoria

Located adjacent to the lobby of the Moda Hotel and steps away from the Orpheum Theatre, Cibo Trattoria specializes in Italian-inspired cuisine made with same-day fresh and local ingredients. Cibo’s unique list of decadent yet light dishes has been created by talented Executive Chef, Neil Taylor, to provide Vancouverites and visitors to Downtown Vancouver with a distinctive dining experience.

Part of Cibo’s allure is also its unique setting — sophisticated, modern interior design complemented by dramatic and rare architectural details. Special touches in this 52 seat dining room include a towering ceiling, original 1908 terracotta floors, century old exposed timber beams, over-sized, local pop art pieces, a white marble eye-level fireplace and a glassed-in tower of wine. Enjoy the warm and elegant ambience of this eclectic dining room that is truly unlike anything this world-class city has to offer.